The Los Angeles Dodgers transferred Scott Kazmir and Andrew Toles to the 60-day disabled list on Friday in corresponding moves to create room on the 40-man roster for Mike Freeman and Chris Heston, who were claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.
Kazmir began the season on the 10-day DL and though there was some improvement from the hip and mechanical trouble that dogged him during Spring Training, a return never appeared imminent. Kazmir’s DL stint remains retroactive to March 30, meaning he’s technically eligible to return in the coming days.
However, the most recent update from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts came over three weeks ago when he said Kazmir was returning to Camelback Ranch to complete a throwing program.
After making his spring debut March 1, the southpaw struggled in his next two starts and fell victim to the same troubles that plagued him last season. Kazmir managed to complete just one inning on March 6, getting removed after throwing one pitch in the second frame.
An MRI on Kazmir’s hip came back negative, but he was held out of Cactus League action until March 26. Time away didn’t lend to positive results, as Kazmir labored through three innings, allowing three hits and three runs, while walking five and hitting two batters.
The following afternoon, Roberts said Kazmir was penciled to begin the season on the disabled list. The 33-year-old finished the spring 0-1 with a 6.35 ERA and 2.12 WHIP in three starts.
Toles underwent surgery last Tuesday to repair the torn ACL in his right knee. He’s expected to miss the remainder of the 2017 season. Toles batted .271/.314/.458 with three doubles, five home runs and 15 RBI in 31 games (19 starts) this season.
Toles was in his first full season with the Dodgers. Last year, he batted .314/.365/.505 with nine doubles, one triple, three home runs and 16 RBI in 48 games with Los Angeles. He joined the club after stops with High-A Rancho Cucamonga, Double-A Tulsa, and Triple-A Oklahoma City.
